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Coconut Grub(Rhynchophorus ferrugineus) also called sago grub is the larvae of the red palm weevil, also known as Asian palm weevil or sago palm weevil. This beetle is present around the world with the larvae inhabiting a number of palm species. They are still spreading worldwide and are considered a pest species for palm plantations.

Edibility and Culinary Use

The Coconut Grub is a delicacy in much of southeast Asia. They can be eaten raw or cooked. It has a creamy texture when raw, but when cooked it is crunchy and tastes similar to bacon or pork rinds. This is an insect with no acquired taste because it already tastes like something that is familiar to most people.

Health Benefits

One myth about insects is that they are not a substantial meal. This couldn’t be farther from the truth when it comes to Coconut Grubs. If there is one bug that people are meant to eat, this is it. The Coconut grub is regarded as a very nutrient rich and substantial meal by many people worldwide. It is commonly known that they are full of protein, just as much as beef, and farming them takes much less resources.

Red Palm Weevil Adult (Photo By: Marco Petrotta / Wikimedia Commons)

Conclusion

The Coconut Grub is a delicious bug to try or include in your regular diet. You can forage for it in tropical climates, but in temperate zones you will have to settle for ordering them online dried and seasoned. This is the one edible insect I know of that should be the ambassador for entomophagy(the practice of eating bugs) because of its familiar,delicious taste and texture when cooked.